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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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brain is vertical. Mentioned in xeno., page 39, section A, also visible in fig: 1a on previous page
The Ork head is, like many xenos of the galaxy, similar in design to that of the human cranium, although it is of a different shape and colour. The teeth suggest an omnivorous or opportunistic diet, which links with their primitive pack-based organisation. The skull, like many other parts of the Ork body, is far thicker than that of a human, giving it toughness far exceeding humans' own. The tusks on the Ork face are unlikely to be related to food consumption (even though Orks photosynthesise, they also consume food, mainly Squigs) and are more for decoration or combat, more likely the latter. They have pointed ears like the Eldar, although they have a low density of nerve clusters, indicating a stripped down to bare essentials approach to the Ork creation. All of this gives Orks a simple, effective and durable body, allowing them to fight well but passing over quality of sensation.{{Fn|1}}
An Orks internal organs, noted earlier, are simple and effective, relying heavily on their fungal elements. They have a large multi-chambered stomach which feeds a crude renal system. This combined with a body-cavity filling 'fungal soup' (which has the effect of replacing the biochemical organs (liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas etc.) gives the Orks an intensely strong internal system, even though it is quite basic in design.{{Fn|1}} The bones of an Ork are thick, hard and durable, allowing them to sustain high velocity impacts without fracture or damage. The structure is similar to that of humans but the core of the bone contains a spongy fungal matter, replacing the simple human marrow.{{Fn|1}} The Ork brain is quite large, similar in structure to that of a human or Eldar, albeit oriented vertically. {{Fn|1}} There is, unusually, a complete lack of fungus or vegetable matter. The most developed part is that of the old brain, controlling more base functions which explain their natural aggression and pack hunting strategies.{{Fn|1}} Finally, much of the Ork body is filled with a spongy mass, presumably to protect what little internal organs the Ork possesses. There are also several gills located around the Ork body, presumably for oxygen absorption.
The structure and design of the Ork body provide a strong, tough and resilient system but also running at a low level of complexity. These combine to show that Orks are genetically engineered for combat. Their muscles are extremely strong and their squat bodies can stand immense punishment.{{Fn|1}}
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Xenology (Background Book)]], pgs. 40–4739–47
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Predator, Prey (Novel)]], Chapter Ten
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Liber Xenologis]], pg. 70
